Upcoming Infrastructure Milestones
The City of Calgary has announced that residents should prepare for temporary water restrictions this fall as the municipality enters the final phase of its critical water system upgrades. Mayor Jeromy Farkas confirmed in an August 20 update that these measures are necessary to facilitate essential work at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant and the completion of the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main.
The city is currently navigating the final stages of a year-long project to replace the aging feeder main, a vital conduit that carries approximately 60 percent of Calgary’s daily water supply. While the current pipe remains stable, officials emphasize that it is operating at reduced capacity and continues to pose a risk until the new parallel steel pipe is fully integrated into the system.
September and October Timelines
The restrictive measures are divided into two distinct phases. In mid-September, potential outdoor water restrictions may be implemented for less than a week if weather conditions cause a spike in demand. This short-term measure is tied to a planned temporary shutdown of the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, which requires electrical upgrades for a new pumping station.
A more significant period of disruption is expected in October, lasting for approximately four weeks. During this time, the city plans to implement Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions alongside calls for indoor water conservation. These measures are required to allow crews to perform the final tie-in connection for the replacement feeder main, a project that is part of the broader North Calgary Water Servicing initiative.
Project Context and Regional Impact
The North Calgary Water Servicing Project represents a major investment in the region’s long-term resilience. It includes the installation of 22 kilometers of new water pipe and 10 supporting facilities. The project aims to serve Calgary’s growing population while providing essential redundancy to the water network.
The impact of these restrictions extends beyond Calgary city limits, as the city also supplies water to the neighboring city of Airdrie. Mayor Farkas has sought to reassure the public that these restrictions are not the result of a water shortage or low reservoir levels, which remain within normal seasonal ranges for August. Instead, the measures are strictly operational, intended to ensure the safety and success of the final construction tie-ins.
Construction crews have utilized advanced engineering techniques, including microtunnelling, to navigate complex terrain such as the Bow River, 16 Avenue, and the CPKC rail line. As of late July, more than 1,100 meters of steel feeder main had been installed, with the overall project completion expected by December 2026.